iPad Apple Tablet Details Revealed

Apple unveiled its newest gadget in San Francisco this morning. The iPad, previously known as the Apple Tablet, is an unprecedented device that marries an iPhone-style interface with wireless internet capabilities and a 10-inch screen. The iPad may very well turn the publishing industry on its head, as four major publishing companies are already working on technology to offer their content via paid subscription on the new instrument.

Gizmodo revealed some specs on the iPad via live blog from the press conference this morning. The gadget features a 10-inch display that can be used in either a vertical or horizontal viewing mode. Although it uses a touch-screen keyboard (it has over 1000 hardware sensors in the touchscreen), it can be attached to a physical keyboard and used like a desktop computer. The iPad is compatible with iPhone and iPod Touch apps, and users who have purchased apps for those devices will be able to transfer them to the iPad. In perhaps one of Apple’s most surprising moves, the price point starts at $499 for a 16 GB iPad with WiFi capability. The most expensive model, a 64 GB machine at $829, is WiFi-capable and can connect to a 3G wireless network. Also, good news for Apple fans who aren’t AT&T customers: The iPad will work on any network.

More information on the iPad will no doubt arise in the coming days, and it won’t be long before that friend who always wants to show off his new toys is showing you the ropes of Apple’s latest Coolest Thing Ever. WiFi-equipped iPads start shipping in 60 days.

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